Director of Agribusiness

Job Summary and Scope of Responsibility: Provide strategic direction and leadership for the Bank's Agricultural sales teams throughout the footprint. Recruit, lead, coach and develop Agricultural Relationship Managers to achieve bank objectives, including customer service and full relationship acquisition, while maintaining appropriate financial and risk profiles. This position will also be responsible for the Ag Portfolio Management team.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities: With or without reasonable accommodation must be able to perform all essential job functions as described below.

• Lead, direct and manage the team members of the Ag Relationship Management team. Includes staff selection, development, salary review, and performance management.
• Continual recruitment of top talent within the Bank's footprint.
• Provide strategic leadership for the Bank's business plan relative to agricultural and commercial lending, by delivering desired results measured by sales, credit quality, credit administration, effective customer service and financial results.
• Develop, implement and evaluate sales strategies, goals and objectives that promote new business opportunities, cross-selling of appropriate loan/deposit products, and retention of profitable client relationships. Ensure that the team meets goals and objectives as established.
• Plan and coordinate sales and outreach activities that support the objectives of the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA).
• Provide sales and service culture of leadership that motivates desired effort, behavior, skill development, and results.
• Manage and resolve escalated client service issues.
• Oversight and manage a portfolio of agricultural loans and lines of credit. Includes analyzing borrowing base certificates, inspecting collateral, reviewing/approving advance requests, monitoring delinquency and risk grading, and administration of loan covenants.
• Represent functional expertise on the leadership team, working with Regional Executive and other peers to plan for and make Bank wide decisions. Coordinate, lead and provide guidance on initiatives and special projects.
• Communicate and network with other industry leaders, maintain strong strategic external partnerships.

Minimum Qualifications to Perform Essential Functions
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstration of strong sales team leadership and management skills.
• Strong sales, negotiation and closing skills.
• Professional relationship management skills.
• Professional communication and presentation skills.
• Effective conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
• Comprehensive knowledge of credit, credit quality/risk grading and underwriting.
• Comprehensive knowledge of, and ability to interpret, financial and economic factors that impact a business.
• Knowledge of applicable federal/state banking regulations.
• Ability to identify and structure creative approaches to address complex credits.
• Ability to identify and leverage relationships that offer the most potential for profit.
• Ability to qualify for and maintain required licenses and certifications.
• Computer proficiency, including Windows and Microsoft Office Suite products.
• Proficiency at speaking, reading and writing English.

Experience and/or Education:

• Four-year degree in agriculture, business, accounting or equivalent training/experience.
• Ten years of progressively responsible experience originating and managing a portfolio of agricultural and commercial loans and lines of credit.

Travel/Physical Demands:

• Ability to travel to client and business event locations (driving requires continuous possession of a valid driver's license and the minimum level of auto insurance).